Mr. Robel, the committee, in pursuance of its duties, is endeavoring to gain knowledge of the industrial section of the Communist Party in King County, and you, having been identified as a member of that section, is the reason you have been subpenaed here. We would like to get what information we can from you. Now I would like to ask you: Were you a member of the industrial section of the Communist Party? Mr. ROBEL. I must invoke the fifth amendment for the same reason previously stated, and refuse to answer that question. (The witness confers with his counsel.) Mr. WHEELER. Are you a member of the Communist Party today? Mr. ROBEL. I must invoke the fifth amendment for the same reason and refuse to answer that question on the ground that I might incriminate myself. Mr. WHEELER. No further questions, Mr. Chairman. Mr. MOULDER. Were you ever a member of the Communist Party? (The witness confers with his counsel.) Mr. ROBEL. I must, likewise, invoke the fifth amendment on that question, and refuse to answer, sir. Mr. MOULDER. Mr. Velde, any questions? Mr. VELDE. No questions. Mr. MOULDER. The witness is excused. (Whereupon the witness was excused.) Call the next witness, Mr. Wheeler. Mr. WHEELER. Mr. Frank Kerr. Mr. SYKES. Mr. Chairman, may I address the committee in respect to Mr. Kerr? There is a special problem involved with respect to Mr. Kerr. Mr. MOULDER. Yes. STATEMENT OF JAY G. SYKES Mr. SYKES. I would like to hand to Mr. Wheeler a statement from Dr. Beattie, and ask that the committee consider Mr. Kerr’s physical condition, and if it sees fit to have him examined by a county doctor. Mr. MOULDER. I notice that this is a letter written by Dr. John F. Beattie wherein he says that: Mr. Frank Kerr has been under my care since January 12, 1954, because of coronary artery disease. The letter does not state the patient was hospitalized in connection with his examination. It does not state he is now in the hospital. It is not very specific as to his exact illness, as to whether or not he is capable of appearing here as a witness without endangering his health or life. Mr. SYKES. That is correct, Mr. Chairman. There was serious doubt in my mind, without knowing anything about the specific details of his illness, to be absolutely sure whether or not he should be examined by a doctor here, and if the doctor here should rule that he can testify I would have no objection. I thought that I should protect Mr. Kerr. Mr. MOULDER. This is very vague. Mr. SYKES. That is correct. Mr. MOULDER. And very indefinite. We will take this under consideration. Counsel, will you call another witness? Mr. WHEELER. Mr. Harold Johnston. Mr. MOULDER. Hold up your right hand and be sworn, please. Do you solemnly swear that the testimony which you are about to give before this committee will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God? Mr. JOHNSTON. I do.